The inspiration for Trilby has its roots in Collingwood’s rich early industrial, manufacturing and retail heritage. In its early industrial days, Collingwood was a suburb that was revered as the millinery, bootmaking and textile capital of Australia. Smith Street and surrounds are notable for the many historical buildings that operated during that period including 19th century textile factories, warehouses, dwellings and shops that still exist and are operational today. From these semi-industrial beginnings, Collingwood has emerged as Melbourne’s highly sought after residential addresses and one of the most surprising, inspiring, appealingly unpredictable and vibrant cultural centres.

10 Things We Love About Collingwood

1

Majestic Smith Street

Smith Street’s early history was as one of Melbourne’s premier shopping streets.

Grand emporium style buildings from yesteryear punctuate the streetscape, an enduring legacy and a nostalgic reminder of the successful endeavors of the suburbs past.

Enjoying a newly found renaissance, Smith Street is now home to some of Melbourne’s best-known cafes, bars and restaurants which are all wonderfully entwined with an eclectic mix of vintage clothing stores, book and homewares stores as well as community based enterprises like the Social Studio that operate with a social and community conscience.

2

She Rocks; The Tote Hotel

The Tote Hotel has a 35 year reputation for showcasing new and emerging musical talent.

Distinctly Australian rock and roll bands like The Meanies, Cosmic Psychos, Magic Dirt and Underground Lovers have been regulars at the venue, not to mention some-times secret shows by visiting international acts including the likes of The White Stripes and Mudhoney.

By no means pretty; supporters cried when she closed; many thousands rallied for her re-opening; and Melbourne was all the better for important changes to state laws which allowed The Tote and others like her to retain their rightful place as an integral part of Melbourne’s authentic live music scene.

Keith Haring Mural

Whilst incredible street art is found throughout the back streets of Collingwood and Fitzroy, it is perhaps the Keith Haring mural on the side of the former Collingwood School of Design and School of Art buildings (1871) on Johnson Street that is arguably Australia’s most iconic.

Drawing on popular culture for its themes and forms, this much loved and internationally recognised public artwork is one of only three substantially remaining wall murals painted by Keith Haring, a highly influential American artist and social activist who was considered by many to be one of the most significant artists of his generation.

The Kustom Kommune

In the back streets of Collingwood there is a non-descript warehouse that has gained local and international attention as a place where bikies like to hangout.

Yet this is not a place for outlaws and criminals, but rather represents a community space for motorbike enthusiasts who share a common passion for all things motorcycle.

As Australia’s first communal motorcycle workshop this is a place where gentleman and lady members can meet other motorcycle owners, learn new mechanical skills and make use of a fully equipment workshop to maintain or customise their beloved bikes.

The Industrious Foy & Gibson

The Foy & Gibson Company was a pioneer in the history of retailing in Melbourne. The beautiful grand red brick warehouses that dominate the streetscape of Oxford and Cambridge Streets were once the location of Foy & Gibson’s factories and warehouses, producing and storing goods for the stores.

Of historical and architectural significance, what’s remarkable when you wander past these imposing buildings is not only their sheer size and scale but also how they paint an intriguing picture of what life must have been like when they were operating at their economic peak.

6

The Joy of the 86 Tram

If there was ever an opportunity
to observe the diversity of the people
that help make up a great city, then its
never more evident than when taking
a ride on the 86 Tram.

Running from Bundoora to the
Docklands and passing through Northcote, down Smith Street and through the Melbourne CBD, the 86 Tram not only provides easy access to the centre of the city but is also one of Melbourne most varied, interesting and enjoyable tram rides.

So much so that a local musical comedian produced an entire album ‘Songs from the 86 Tram’ about the experiences he had whilst travelling down the line.

7

Your Local Arts Precinct

Towards the southern end of Smith Street you’ll find the artistic heartland of Collingwood with Australian Galleries, Australian Print Workshop, Kick Gallery, Fehily Contemporary, James Makin, Dianne Tanzer and Gertrude Contemporary gallery spaces all making their home here.

8

Aqua Profonda: Fitzroy Pool

The Fitzroy Pool is an iconic destination within the Collingwood/Fitzroy Precinct. Faced with the threat of closure in the 1990s, the local community rallied together and fought vigorously to save their neighbourhood pool.

Their ultimate success means that local residents continue to flock here in the heights of summer to enjoy the beautiful clear waters of this retro pool.

‘Danger Deep Water – Aqua Profonda’ are the words of a 1950s heritage listed sign that first served as a warning to migrant children about the dangers swimming at the deep end. Today it is a subtle reminder that this is a local pool there for the benefit of us all.

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9

Alimentari Food Store

Alimentari literally means ‘good food and camaraderie’ and this is the passion of the owners of Smith Street Alimentari Eatery & Foodstore.

Smith Street Alimentari is a modern yet authentic Italian deli that serves up delicious rotisserie meats, freshly made salads, antipasto and cakes as well as a selection of fresh ready to eat takehome meals.

The space next door extends your Mediterranean experience with a fully serviced eatery, which, if you are lucky enough to get a table out the back in the sun filled courtyard, is the perfect place to wine and dine a lazy afternoon away.

About the Area

Precinct

Years ago you might have said Collingwood was a suburb that could never be tamed, however, these days it’s become a highly sought out neighbourhood filled with inventive bars, interesting people, vintage boutiques, vibrant street art and eateries of virtually every description